Mortlach Midnight Dusk Diageo Special Releases 2024 Single Malt Whisky

The tasting experience of Mortlach Midnight Dusk is characterized by its rich and complex palate. An enticing aroma greets the nose, revealing notes of hedgerow berries and raisins intertwined with hints of candied oranges, uplifted by a subtle umami quality that adds depth. As one delves further, layers of caramelized miso weave into the experience, creating a delicious tapestry of flavors. On the palate, the whisky showcases a sweet and creamy onset with accents of tinned fruits like apricot and stewed apples, alongside dried mango that offers warmth and comfort. The mouthfeel is viscous and rich, with an inviting smoothness that leads to a splendidly balanced finish. The faint whisper of floral notes mingles with candied fruits and a gentle spiciness, culminating in a luxurious and satisfying conclusion.

Mortlach distillery, founded in 1823 by James Weller, has a storied legacy in the whisky world. With a long history of traditional distillation methods, Mortlach quickly garnered attention for its distinctive, robust style. Over the years, the distillery has become synonymous with rich and intense flavors, thanks to its unique distillation process and historical significance in the Speyside region. The Midnight Dusk release is part of a limited edition series that pays homage to the distillery's tradition while embracing innovation. Diageo's Special Releases highlight exceptional bottlings, and Midnight Dusk exemplifies this by featuring a unique maturation process in non-traditional casks. This year marks not only the celebration of Mortlach’s artistry but also a response to the growing demand for innovative scotch expressions in the global market.

The fabrication process of Mortlach Midnight Dusk is a testament to the distillery's time-honored methods blended with contemporary innovation. It begins with the selection of the finest malted barley, which is mashed and then fermented in traditional wooden washbacks. The unique distillation process at Mortlach involves a complex triple distillation method that distinguishes it from typical single malts, contributing to its signature rich texture and flavor complexity. Following distillation, the whisky is aged in a combination of ex-Italian Ramandolo white and Sangiovese red casks. This dual maturation imparts distinctive flavors and a richer mouthfeel to the whisky. The casks are carefully chosen to achieve a harmonious balance, enhancing the underlying fruit notes while adding depth from the oak. Once the cask aging reaches its peak, the whisky is bottled at a high cask strength, encapsulating the full array of Mortlach's bold and exquisite flavor profile.